Latest news with #KimberlySullivan
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Yahoo
Attorney for ‘house of horrors' mom denies stepson held captive
(NewsNation) — The defense attorney for a Connecticut woman accused of keeping her stepson captive for 20 years pushed back on the allegations Friday and said prosecutors will have to prove their case in court with testimony from the alleged victim. Kimberly Sullivan is out on bond and faces several charges, including kidnapping and unlawful restraint, after her adult stepson set fire to their Waterbury home Feb. 17. Police say the 32-year-old man, who has not been identified publicly, weighed 68 pounds and claimed to have been locked away in cruel and filthy conditions since he was a child. Mother of man rescued from Connecticut 'House of Horrors': 'I love you' Sullivan's defense attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, appearing on 'Banfield,' said there is another side to the story. 'She is shocked that everyone has condemned her and automatically believed everything that has come out,' he said of his client. 'She's blown away.' Kaloidis rebutted several allegations, including claims that the stepson had been 'restrained' in the home. 'There are exterior locks on almost every door inside that house, and those locks predated my client ever moving in the house,' he said. 'The presence of the lock doesn't prove anything, is not illegal.' As to the weight of the stepson, Kaloidis said he was historically underweight as a child. 'The weight itself doesn't prove anything,' he said. 'The state still has to connect the dots. What they're claiming is his weight was this because she starved him.' Stepmother accused of holding stepson captive appears in court The stepson, Kaloidis added, 'is going to have to get on that stand and convince a jury that that is the cause and effect.' Sullivan's late husband, the boy's father, was the custodial parent, the attorney said. 'She did not prevent him ever from going to the doctor. His father called the shots,' Kaloidis said. The stepson released a public statement this week through a nonprofit group, Survivors Say, in which he thanked medical professionals and others for helping him over the past several weeks. He referred to himself as 'S.' 'I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future. My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free,' the statement said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
16-04-2025
- Fox News
Connecticut man who escaped house of horrors breaks silence after decades of stepmom's alleged abuse
The 32-year-old man who accused his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, of holding him captive for 20 years in their Waterbury, Connecticut, home, spoke for the first time since fleeing the home. The man, who wished to be identified only as "S," released a statement Tuesday through David Guarino of Survivors Say, who is representing him as a spokesman. "I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home. I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then," "S" said in the statement. "To all the health care professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you. In addition to all of your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32." "I also want to thank the first responders, the law enforcement investigators and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for my abuse accountable. "Thank you to everyone at Safe Haven Waterbury and everyone who has given to the GoFundMe page that will help cover some of the overwhelming expenses I will face in the weeks, months and years to come. "I am grateful to the conservator and my attorney, who will help guide me through the legal process ahead. They have been invaluable to me, and I am grateful for their tireless support." "Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured. Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told. "I ask everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are helping me seek justice for these crimes. I also ask the public and the media to respect those investigations and my privacy as this process plays out. This isn't just a story. It's my life. "Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover. Please forward any inquiries about my recovery, requests for information or interviews, or the process ahead to David Guarino at Survivors Say, who has volunteered to serve as my spokesman. Thank you." Guarino declined to comment further. "S" allegedly set fire to the home he shared with his stepmom on Feb. 27, telling first responders that he wanted his freedom. After an investigation, Sullivan was arrested on March 12 and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons and first-degree reckless endangerment. According to an arrest warrant for Sullivan, "S" said he was held in a windowless 8-foot by 9-foot storage closet with no air conditioning or heat and without access to a bathroom for 20 years. He was allegedly kept inside the closet 22–24 hours per day. "S" told police he was allowed two sandwiches and two small water bottles each day, one of which he would use for bathing. He said he disposed of his waste using water bottles and newspaper. The man weighed less than 70 pounds when first responders found him after the fire. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Sullivan's attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, denied that Sullivan knew anything about the alleged abuse. "I can tell you that the allegations were that this individual claims to have been imprisoned in that home up until the day of the fire," Kaloidis said. "And my client adamantly denies that there was any imprisonment. As for the whole history, there's a lot that I anticipate will come out over the course of the trial, hopefully, because I think that's the appropriate place for the release of any additional information." Fox News Digital reached out to Sullivan's legal team.
USA Today
16-04-2025
- USA Today
Connecticut man allegedly held captive for over 20 years speaks out: 'I reclaim control'
Connecticut man allegedly held captive for over 20 years speaks out: 'I reclaim control' Show Caption Hide Caption Connecticut woman arrested for holding stepson captive for 20 years A Connecticut woman, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested after being accused of keeping her stepson captive for two decades. unbranded - Newsworthy The man who police say was held captive in his Connecticut home for more than two decades is speaking out, saying in a public statement on Tuesday that he is 'much better and stronger' after his rescue. Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested in March after Waterbury police said she held her 32-year-old stepson in captivity and subjected him to "prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment." She has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons and first-degree reckless endangerment. The stepson, who identified himself only as S, said in the statement that he was "choosing a new name for himself." 'Please call me 'S.' This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born ... I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future,' the man said in a statement posted on Facebook by his representation, David Gaurino of Survivors Say. Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury set up a GoFundMe to help S with medical and dental care, as well as legal fees and housing expenses. Here's what else S had to say. S: 'I am much better and stronger' In the statement posted on Facebook, the man said he was a survivor of more than two decades of abuse after being taken out of school in the fourth grade when he was 11 and held against his will until he was 32. He was freed by firefighters after he managed to set his house on fire back in February. While being treated, the stepson told first responders that he intentionally set the fire in his upstairs room using a lighter, hand sanitizer and paper, stating: "I wanted my freedom," police said. 'I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told,' he said in Tuesday's statement. 'I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home.' Photos: Disarray in Connecticut home where police say woman held stepson captive Police: A long time of abuse Waterbury police's investigation determined that the stepson was found in a "severely emaciated condition" and had not received medical or dental care throughout his captivity, the department said. Investigators also concluded that the man had been given "minimal amounts of food and water," which contributed to him being extremely malnourished, police said. According to an arrest warrant obtained by USA TODAY, upon exiting the home, the stepson's hair was matted, "he was very dirty," and all of his teeth were rotten. The stepson told police officers that Sullivan was able to keep him locked inside his bedroom because there was a lock on the outside of his door, the warrant continued. In Tuesday's statement, S said that "much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured." "Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told." Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
CNN
15-04-2025
- CNN
Waterbury, Connecticut, man allegedly held captive by his stepmother releases his first public statement
He asked to be identified only as 'S' to protect his identity. 'My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free,' said the 32-year-old man who set a Connecticut home on fire in February to escape the place where he allegedly endured more than 20 years of captivity, abuse and starvation at the hands of his stepmother. 'This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future,' he said in his first public statement shared by a spokesperson Tuesday. Freedom arrived February 17, when he used a lighter to start a fire that led first responders to a small room at 2 Blake Street in Waterbury, Connecticut. The 5-foot-9 man was covered in soot and weighed only 68 pounds. Months after the case – known by some as Waterbury's 'house of horrors' – captured the nation's attention, the victim is speaking out 'to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told,' he said. His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, has pleaded not guilty to felony charges including kidnapping, assault and unlawful restraint. She is accused of confining her stepson since he was around 11, according to her arrest warrant. Sullivan, who has maintained her innocence through her attorneys and claims the allegations are false, remains under house arrest and was ordered by a judge to wear an electronic GPS monitoring device while she is released on bail. A spokesman for her attorneys said Tuesday there was no immediate comment. 'I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse,' the survivor said in his statement. 'I was held prisoner in my home from the time I was taken out of the fourth grade at age 11 until two months ago at age 31 when I purposely set the fire that helped set me free.' He thanked the 'first responders, the law enforcement investigators and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for my abuse accountable.' He expressed gratitude to the staff at Safe Haven Waterbury, a center that offers support to victims of domestic abuse, and people who donated to a GoFundMe in his name. He also thanked the health care professionals 'who have helped and nurtured me,' along with his attorneys. The survivor said he 'is much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home. I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then. To all the health care professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you.' He asked people with knowledge of his story to cooperate with authorities, and for the public and media to respect his privacy. 'This isn't just a story. It's my life,' he said. 'Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover.' The victim told investigators he was locked in a storage room with additional locks added over time, surviving each day on two sandwiches – egg salad, tuna, or peanut butter – and a small amount of water. By his teenage years, he said, he was constrained to his room 22 to 24 hours a day. To relieve himself, he devised a makeshift funnel to direct urine out the window using straws, according to an affidavit included with the warrant. The abuse may have begun even before his alleged captivity. He told police that by fourth grade, he was scavenging for food at night, prompting Sullivan to lock him in his room. Eventually, he was removed from school and was only allowed out to complete chores. Despite two wellness checks by the state's Department of Children and Families and police visits in 2004, the alleged mistreatment went undetected. At the time, authorities reported finding a home that appeared clean and 'lived-in,' according to Waterbury Police Chief Fred Spagnolo, and no further action was taken. In January 2024, the man's father died, leaving Sullivan as his sole caretaker. According to the man, Sullivan's control over him grew even more restrictive. The man told investigators it got to a point where 'the only time he would ever be out of the house once his father died was to let the family dog out in the back of the property' and only for about one minute a day, according to the affidavit. Search warrants later revealed plywood and locks on the door to his room, corroborating his account of confinement. In his statement Tuesday, the survivor shared a glimpse into his recovery. 'I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32,' he said. CNN's Dakin Andone, Alaa Elassar, Yon Pomrenze, Brynn Gingras and Lauren Mascarenhas contributed to this report.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Young man held captive in Connecticut home for decades makes first public statement ‘to have my say in how my story is told'
He asked to be identified only as 'S' to protect his identity. 'My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free,' said the 32-year-old man who set a Connecticut home on fire in February to escape the place where he allegedly endured more than 20 years of captivity, abuse and starvation at the hands of his stepmother. 'This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future,' he said in his first public statement shared by a spokesperson Tuesday. Freedom arrived February 17, when he used a lighter to start a fire that led first responders to a small room at 2 Blake Street in Waterbury, Connecticut. The 5-foot-9 man was covered in soot and weighed only 68 pounds. Months after the case – known by some as Waterbury's 'house of horrors' – captured the nation's attention, the victim is speaking out 'to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told,' he said. His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, has pleaded not guilty to felony charges including kidnapping, assault and unlawful restraint. She is accused of confining her stepson since he was around 11, according to her arrest warrant. Sullivan, who has maintained her innocence through her attorneys and claims the allegations are false, remains under house arrest and was ordered by a judge to wear an electronic GPS monitoring device while she is released on bail. A spokesman for her attorneys said Tuesday there was no immediate comment. 'I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse,' the survivor said in his statement. 'I was held prisoner in my home from the time I was taken out of the fourth grade at age 11 until two months ago at age 31 when I purposely set the fire that helped set me free.' He thanked the 'first responders, the law enforcement investigators and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for my abuse accountable.' He expressed gratitude to the staff at Safe Haven Waterbury, a center that offers support to victims of domestic abuse, and people who donated to a GoFundMe in his name. He also thanked the health care professionals 'who have helped and nurtured me,' along with his attorneys. The survivor said he 'is much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home. I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then. To all the health care professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you.' He asked people with knowledge of his story to cooperate with authorities, and for the public and media to respect his privacy. 'This isn't just a story. It's my life,' he said. 'Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover.' The victim told investigators he was locked in a storage room with additional locks added over time, surviving each day on two sandwiches – egg salad, tuna, or peanut butter – and a small amount of water. By his teenage years, he said, he was constrained to his room 22 to 24 hours a day. To relieve himself, he devised a makeshift funnel to direct urine out the window using straws, according to an affidavit included with the warrant. The abuse may have begun even before his alleged captivity. He told police that by fourth grade, he was scavenging for food at night, prompting Sullivan to lock him in his room. Eventually, he was removed from school and was only allowed out to complete chores. Despite two wellness checks by the state's Department of Children and Families and police visits in 2004, the alleged mistreatment went undetected. At the time, authorities reported finding a home that appeared clean and 'lived-in,' according to Waterbury Police Chief Fred Spagnolo, and no further action was taken. In January 2024, the man's father died, leaving Sullivan as his sole caretaker. According to the man, Sullivan's control over him grew even more restrictive. The man told investigators it got to a point where 'the only time he would ever be out of the house once his father died was to let the family dog out in the back of the property' and only for about one minute a day, according to the affidavit. Search warrants later revealed plywood and locks on the door to his room, corroborating his account of confinement. In his statement Tuesday, the survivor shared a glimpse into his recovery. 'I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32,' he said. CNN's Dakin Andone, Alaa Elassar, Yon Pomrenze, Brynn Gingras and Lauren Mascarenhas contributed to this report.
